Beach Spiderlily

(Hymenocallis littoralis)

Beach Spiderlily (Hymenocallis littoralis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Hymenocallis littoralis, commonly known as Beach Spiderlily, is an evergreen perennial herb native to coastal areas from southern Mexico to South America. It thrives in sandy soils along sea beaches and in mangrove swamps. The plant typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a width of about 1 foot. It features strap-shaped green leaves and is particularly noted for its large, fragrant, white flowers that resemble spiders, hence the name. These showy blooms appear in the summer and fall and are quite attractive to pollinators.

Beach Spiderlily is valued for its exotic-looking flowers and is often used in water gardens, as a container plant, or in borders in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown aquatically, making it a unique addition to ponds and water features. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water with good drainage, although it can tolerate wet conditions. While it is generally easy to maintain, it should be protected from frost. Beach Spiderlily is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but root rot can occur if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-2.5 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal areas in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, thriving in sandy soils and mangrove swamps

Other Names

Common Names: Strandspindellilja

Scientific Names: , Hymenocallis littoralis, Hymenocallis pedalis, Pancratium littorale, Hymenocallis americana, Hymenocallis tenuiflora, Hymenocallis niederleinii, Hymenocallis senegambica, Hymenocallis adnata, Hymenocallis adnata var. disticha

GBIF Accepted Name: Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb.